Musee du vieux Marseille (Museum of Old Marseille), Marseille

Advantages: A unique city, full of history and character
Disadvantages: Racy reputation, some grim districts

...than the truncated remains of the "Old Major" cathedral in its shadow. Among secular buildings, the Palais du Pharo occupies a landmark position on a promontory to the south of the Vieux Port, and is surrounded by a pleasant park. Here, amid tamarisks, maritime pine and fig trees one can relax and enjoy views both out to sea and into the harbour. Built by Napoleon III it was completed in 1870, just in time for his downfall. Used as a centre for conferences, seminars and exhibitions, its interiors are reputedly elegant and sumptuous, but alas in my brief stay in Marseille I never went inside. Fans of more modern architecture will find one of its most significant monuments in Marseille' southern suburbs. This is the Cité Radieuse, le Corbusier's pioneering attempt to realise his vision of modern high-rise living. Built just after... Read review

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Advantages: Gorgeous Climate, Beautiful Culture, Picture moment Scenaries
Disadvantages: driving(?)

...so it was great fun relaxing on a giant float getting a great tan and taking the occasional dip into the water. During my visit to Marseille as much as i wanted to just stay and relax at the pool and soak up the lovely climate i did go out. Marseille is famous for its Opera Houses, museums and galleries. - May sound boring, but there were some good locations we went to. If your into shopping then The Centre Bourse is the main shopping centre of Marseille and contains both the History Museum as well as a series of open archaeological ruins now used as a park. An extensive bus network serves the city and suburbs of Marseille. However when I went we hired out a car (from the airport) lol erm this is the best way around - if your a good driver because the french are very 'busy' drivers sometimes and we did get knocked from behind... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful part of Marseille
Disadvantages: Can have a few undesirables.

...The Old Port is definitely worth a visit; it it situated in the centre of Marseilles, at the end of the famous Canebiere road. Its a great place to walk around, especially at twilight when the street and boat lights come on and the sunset reflects off the water. Some of the cafes with views of the boats are great to lounge around in and people watch, though they can get a bit pricey. The Old Port also has some of the nicest restaurants serving the famous "Bouillabaisse" a complicated but very tasty fish soup. Disadvantages however include lots of the local riffraff mooching around pestering lone girls or begging for money. The Old Port is also the palce to go for boat trips into the islands which are good fun.... Read review

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